Monday, September 08, 2014

Could The IRS Disallow Ice Bucket Challenge Charitable Contributions?

Could The IRS Disallow Ice Bucket Challenge Charitable Contributions?

OK, rest easy; the IRS isn’t coming after your ALS donation. While theprinciple of donative intent is very real, in recent years, the courtshave tied this principle to a “quid pro quo test,” which states that inorder for a donation to lack donative intent, the donor must anticipatereceiving a financial benefit from the contribution commensurate
with the value the donor transferred to the charity. Because an icebucket dodger has received no financial benefit, but rather merely aphysical one, the contribution is (should be) immune to attack. Plus, Ithink I’ve read somewhere that the IRS is dealing with a bit of a public perception problem these days, so attacking contributions to a horribledisease is probably not in its best interest.

$108 million Ice Bucket Challenge windfall could threaten ALS Association's charity ratings - Washington Business Journal

$108 million Ice Bucket Challenge windfall could threaten ALS Association's charity ratings - Washington Business Journal



ALS Association CEO Barbara Newhouse
has sent letters to three major charity ratings organizations asking
them not to penalize the Washington nonprofit for what is a $108
million-and-counting windfall from the viral Ice Bucket Challenge.

Premiums suck | Agents of Good

Premiums suck | Agents of Good

People assume that the AOG natural position is this: Premiums suck.


Notepads, pens, shirts, bags, labels,
stickers, cards… yah. I would agree. More often than not, those premiums
suck. They are often used in acquisition and to me are the equivalent of spotting a friendly looking person across a room and shoving flowers and chocolates in their face and demanding they go out with you.And that approach might just work, in fact,it works a lot because humans are generally nice and when someone gives
us something (even if we don’t want it) we feel a natural desire toreciprocate. But those aren’t the donors I want.
However! 
Some premiums don’t suck.

Friday, September 05, 2014

U. of Texas at Austin Hits $3-Billion Campaign Goal – Philanthropy Today - Blogs - The Chronicle of Philanthropy

U. of Texas at Austin Hits $3-Billion Campaign Goal – Philanthropy Today - Blogs - The Chronicle of Philanthropy

A great example of Austin's can-do attitude for philanthropy: Canville - Austin Business Journal

A great example of Austin's can-do attitude for philanthropy: Canville - Austin Business Journal

Philanthropic “Fad Diets” are Ultimately Bad for the Sector - NPQ - Nonprofit Quarterly

Philanthropic “Fad Diets” are Ultimately Bad for the Sector - NPQ - Nonprofit Quarterly

There is nothing like an all-consuming philanthropic fad to whileaway the time, attention, energy, and treasure of struggling nonprofits.At NPQ, we really try to avoid inviting you into these vacuums of
spirit, but when an elite grouping of philanthropoids gets ahold of anew focus of obsession, look out, because too often they do not like toenjoy it quietly at home.

Here is the rant of Vu Le, a nonprofit-management startup director with a blog called Nonprofit with Balls. He assures us that he has nothing at all against innovation, but…


Cancer Charity Rejects Donations Tied to Celebrity Photo Leak – Philanthropy Today - Blogs - The Chronicle of Philanthropy

Cancer Charity Rejects Donations Tied to Celebrity Photo Leak – Philanthropy Today - Blogs - The Chronicle of Philanthropy

The Prostate Cancer Foundation has returned donations raised in
connection to the leak of nude celebrity photographs on the social
network Reddit, writes The Washington Post.

After Windfall, ALS Group Grapples With 2.4-Million Donor Dilemma - Donors - The Chronicle of Philanthropy- Connecting the nonprofit world with news, jobs, and ideas

After Windfall, ALS Group Grapples With 2.4-Million Donor Dilemma - Donors - The Chronicle of Philanthropy- Connecting the nonprofit world with news, jobs, and ideas



The ALS Association’s chief chapter-relations and development officer
is confident that the $107-million reaped so far from the ice-bucket
challenge will go to good use fighting amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.


"This isn’t a spending problem," he says.


What concerns him most are the 2.4-million new donors the challenge has attracted to the organization

The Case For Letting Employees Choose Their Own Job Titles | Co.Design | business + design

The Case For Letting Employees Choose Their Own Job Titles | Co.Design | business + designT

The research, led by management scholar Adam Grant of Wharton, focused on the Midwest chapter of the Make-A-Wish Foundation.
The people working there have a grueling, heart-wrenching job to say the least: many of the families place unrealistic expectations on thefoundation; many of the kids don't live to see their wish fulfilled. As
one employee told Grant and collaborators, "It can take a tollemotionally to see this daily."

Next Generation Philanthropy: A Conversation With Laura Arrillaga-Andreessen | Bobbi Silten

Next Generation Philanthropy: A Conversation With Laura Arrillaga-Andreessen | Bobbi Silten



Q: For the past 14 years, you have taught a strategic
philanthropy class at Stanford Graduate School of Business. Why did you
start this course?


A: The reason I initially embarked on a
teaching career and still continue to teach today is to provide the
resources, networks and materials to prepare students for careers as
philanthropists, change makers and social entrepreneurs. Through a lens
of consumer empathy, I have created and am constantly refining and
evolving the courses for Stanford undergraduate and graduate students
that I wish I could have taken to prepare me for my career.

Using Super-Short Videos to Reach New Audiences - The TechSoup Blog - Community - TechSoup

Material on Storytelling and a contest from Tech Soup.



Using Super-Short Videos to Reach New Audiences - The TechSoup Blog - Community - TechSoup



Storymakers 2014

Storymaker Logo


This webinar is part of a series of events supporting our Storymakers 2014 Contest, which is happening now through September 26, 2014.


We encourage you to submit your video or a series of five photos here and follow #Storymakers2014 on Twitter. We’re giving away $13,000 in cash prizes this year.

Fundraising and the Value of Vocation | one alpha avenue

Fundraising and the Value of Vocation | one alpha avenue

 “Any job can become a vocation, and any vocation can become a job” writes Martin Seligman, a professor of psychology at the University of Pennsylvania.  About a year ago, serendipity introduced me to Pat Thompson who was completing a research fellowship sponsored by the Metcalf Foundation on vocational renewal among nonprofit leaders.  I had found a kindred spirit, as in 2004 I had completed my graduate thesis
in philanthropy on vocation among fundraisers.  We have since enjoyed
wonderful conversations on vocational themes.  Energized by the
experience, we want to engage others – professional fundraisers in
particular – in conversation.

Thursday, September 04, 2014

Editorial: Merger of local nonprofits a model to consider - Bozeman Daily Chronicle: Editorials

Editorial: Merger of local nonprofits a model to consider - Bozeman Daily Chronicle: Editorials

A couple of Bozeman nonprofits have forged a
union that could serve as a template for other nonprofits with common
goals. The Gallatin Art Crossing and the Bozeman Sculpture Park recently
combined to form one organization that will espouse the missions of
both of the original groups.

International Day of Charity - 5 September

International Day of Charity - 5 September

In recognition of the role of charity in alleviating humanitarian crises and human ‎suffering within and among nations,
as well as of the efforts of charitable organizations ‎and individuals,
including the work of Mother Teresa, the General Assembly of the ‎United Nations in its resolution A/RES/67/105PDF document
designated the 5th of September, the ‎anniversary of the death of Mother Teresa, as the International Day of Charity.‎ 

New Tool Puts Dollar Value on Social Projects - News - The Chronicle of Philanthropy- Connecting the nonprofit world with news, jobs, and ideas

New Tool Puts Dollar Value on Social Projects - News - The Chronicle of Philanthropy- Connecting the nonprofit world with news, jobs, and ideas

Measuring the social impact of building low-cost housing, child-care
centers, and health clinics in poor neighborhoods isn’t easy. But a new
online tool takes a stab at putting a dollar value on such building
projects, based on the best available social-science research.

The Social Impact Calculator i

New Partnership to Increase Student Philanthropy, Community Involvement

New Partnership to Increase Student Philanthropy, Community Involvement



This partnership has the potential to be so influential because we
know that the earlier youth get involved in philanthropy, the more
likely they are stay involved throughout their lifetimes," said Andrew Watt, FInstF, President and CEO of AFP.
"We are excited to be working with the Jefferson Awards Foundation,
which has such an illustrious program, and reaching so many young people
interested in making a difference." Beginning with the
2014-2015 school year, volunteers from AFP chapters in the 12 SIA
regions will present a beginning philanthropy and fundraising module, as
well as a more advanced module at the mid-winter SIA Leadership
Conference

Top Five Damned Fool Questions about Charity Golf

Top Five Damned Fool Questions about Charity Golf

Via Guidestar

August 2014

I
get asked all kinds of questions about charity golf tournaments by
people who have never done one. I've answered them all in my book, Going for the Green. But here are five that are continually teed up.

Our
budget has been cut this year and we need money right away. What do you
think about our hosting a nice charity golf tournament? I've heard
these can make a lot of money.

Tuesday, September 02, 2014

Firms Use Charitable Activity as Recruiting Tool – Philanthropy Today - Blogs - The Chronicle of Philanthropy

Firms Use Charitable Activity as Recruiting Tool – Philanthropy Today - Blogs - The Chronicle of Philanthropy: mployers are increasingly offering donor and volunteer opportunities to employees as a means to recruit young talent, the Wall Street Journal reports.

Charitable programs, such as gift matching, company-organized volunteer events, and paid days off for volunteer work, appeal to socially minded professionals. Similarly, millennial workers and social media are also leading companies to rethink where they donate money.

Individuals, Organizations and Corporations Respond With Immense Generosity to Ice Bucket Challenge - The ALS Association

Individuals, Organizations and Corporations Respond With Immense Generosity to Ice Bucket Challenge - The ALS Association: Individuals, Organizations and Corporations Respond
With Immense Generosity to Ice Bucket Challenge

Washington, D.C. (August 29, 2014) — Donations as a result of the Ice Bucket Challenge have exceeded all expectations and The ALS Association is tremendously grateful for all of the gifts by individuals, corporations and foundations.

Through Friday, August 29, The Association has received over $100 million, with donations ranging from under one dollar to $200,00

Black giving aims to bridge philanthropy gap � Philanthropy North Carolina

Black giving aims to bridge philanthropy gap � Philanthropy North Carolina: n Charlotte, Johnson C. Smith University is developing an exhibition on black philanthropy that will tour college campuses starting next January in an effort to engage younger generations earlier in giving.

In Raleigh, the Wake County Public School System has studied the high rate at which black males are suspended from school.

Friday, August 29, 2014

Big Data, Crowdfunding and the Fundraising Technology Craze : Page 1 of 2 : FundRaising Success

Big Data, Crowdfunding and the Fundraising Technology Craze : Page 1 of 2 : FundRaising Success: Technology is the backbone of practically everything in today’s information-rich society, and fundraising is no different. Whether it’s using “Big Data” to enhance fundraising appeals and messaging online, offline, mobile and everything in between, or utilizing new technologies like crowdfunding to host a campaign, the technology craze continues to prevail and evolve.

Society Diary: the rubble bucket challenge and the Boob Aid Squeeze-a-thon

Society Diary: the rubble bucket challenge and the Boob Aid Squeeze-a-thon

Grand Champion Ham fetches $2 million, breaks record at auction - Owensboro Messenger-Inquirer: News

Grand Champion Ham fetches $2 million, breaks record at auction - Owensboro Messenger-Inquirer: News: Nearly 1,600 people gathered for KFB's 51st annual Country Ham Breakfast & Auction in the South Wing of the Kentucky Exposition Center, and were witnesses to this monumental feat of charitable giving. Local, state and national elected officials spoke prior to the auction about current agricultural and political conditions in Kentucky and across the nation, but the event hit a fever pitch as the audience watched bidders duel in seven-figure amounts for the Grand Champion Ham.

7520 Rate for September Stable at 2.2% | Planned Giving Design Center

7520 Rate for September Stable at 2.2% | Planned Giving Design Center: For purposes of determining the present value of an annuity, an interest for life or a term of years, or a remainder or a reversionary interest, the applicable federal rate under section 7520 for September 2014 is 2.2%; Stable with the last three month's rates.

The Income Control Unitrust | Planned Giving Design Center

The Income Control Unitrust | Planned Giving Design Center: David Wheeler Newman explores the NIMCRUT and its extraordinary possibilities. His case study makes a compelling statement that Charitable Remainder Trusts are alive and well and will continue to be.

Personalized Philanthropy and the Four Donors - Part 2 of 6 | Planned Giving Design Center

Personalized Philanthropy and the Four Donors - Part 2 of 6 | Planned Giving Design Center: ringing Change to the World Through Personalized Philanthropy
Connecting your values to actions

Key points:

Why focus on the most important Core Needs of the Institutions you care about?
How can you overcome fundraising mechanics and connect your true vision to the world?
Can just three killer apps of personalized gift design really change the way we do philanthropy?
What is the vast power of spending rate and why should we radically rethink endowment?

Thursday, August 28, 2014

10 tips for charity impact measurement | Voluntary Sector Network | Guardian Professional

10 tips for charity impact measurement | Voluntary Sector Network | Guardian Professional: mpact measurement often strikes fear into charities – large or small. It is something that organisations are increasingly expected to do, yet it can be difficult to know where to begin.

To shed some light on this, we went to the real experts – our Twitter followers – and asked them to share their top tips.

Here is a selection of our favourites, but we’d like to hear yours too - feel free to post them in the comments section, below.

Chart: Gifts From Ice-Bucket Challenge Top $94-Million - News - The Chronicle of Philanthropy- Connecting the nonprofit world with news, jobs, and ideas

Chart: Gifts From Ice-Bucket Challenge Top $94-Million - News - The Chronicle of Philanthropy- Connecting the nonprofit world with news, jobs, and ideas: Chart: Gifts From Ice-Bucket Challenge Top $94-Million